Getting Lost in October -- Remembering to Appreciate Each Day

Just when I started getting used to the idea of October, I realized that it's almost over. Where has the month gone? It has been full. And I have been more than a little distracted.

Even so, I've been making a point to enjoy these beautiful October days. I'm grateful for all the warm weather and the sunshine.

Every day I'm also grateful for these sweet dogs. They bring so much joy. Laughter. Adventure. Exercise. Play. (And, of course, love). They know how to savor the day without worries and I often think I should pay more attention and follow their lead.

We've been making a point of getting out in nature more and not just walking in the neighborhood. It's so easy to get stuck in a routine, in the day-to-day, to forget to explore and play.

When we lived in the city we escaped to the woods regularly. Now that we're in a small town we don't feel the need as badly, but it's still there. I remember it as soon as I'm back amongst the tall trees.

We're fortunate to have a park that's just a few blocks away where we can ramble.

I was so reluctant for autumn to arrive. Not that I ever have any choice in the matter. But lately, even on the cold and grey days, I felt at peace with it. We gave in on the coldest days and turned on the heat. Home felt cozy. My plants in the windows.

Soup on the stove. Muffins or bread baking. Blankets. Quilts.

Frost arrived and the flowers in my garden are mostly gone now. I was glad to be able to bring in a few last bouquets.

My mom brought me a vase full of irises from her garden, cut before the frost. I couldn't resist painting one.

I've found that it's so much easier to create when I'm filled up with beauty, when I'm focused on noticing and savoring daily graces. Getting out in nature or the garden nurtures creativity. It's true even if you're not an artist. Ideas flow after immersing yourself in beauty. Ideas for meals you want to cook or for ways to cozy up your home. Problems seem to shrink and solutions come more readily.

Sometimes I forget how important it is. But I'm remembering now.

I have to say that I agree with Anne Shirley when she says

"I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers."
--L.M. Montgomery

What about you? What simple joys and beauties have you been appreciating this month? Do you find inspiration and ideas flow more readily when you're focused on joy?

Comments

The month of October is breathtaking here in Vermont...in the first turning of the foliage, to its peak and even in the dropping and fading of the leaves. It is just all so beautiful. It's part of a cycle that's ancient, unstoppable and reassuring, in a way. xo

Beautiful painting, beautiful post! I also can't believe how quickly October has passed. It has been mild here and we have only started to put the heating on over the last few days. I really should have got out more during the month but became a bit of a recluse. I definitely feel more inspired when I am out in nature and keep meaning to do it more. I must make more of an effort to enjoy the coming week. Have a lovely weekend Anne. :-)

What a lovely October you have had. Your dogs are just so sweet. Looks like they were working hard. :) I feel so much better when I'm out in nature. I've been walking a lot this month and it feels so good. Yesterday as I was driving to a drs. appointment and had the negative voices playing I decided to stop it, notice the beautiful colors and mountains around me and name 5 things I'm grateful for and a thank you to follow. I felt much better. I love October and I'm glad we live in a world with them as well.

Hello Anne,I know it, October has just come and gone like that. It has been one of the most beautiful Octobers I can think of. I love that photo of the dogs. :-)I plan to finish cleaning the gardens this weekend and put them to bed. I do hope November will surprise us with SUN!Carla

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